It's that time of year when county fairs across the state become a must-stop destination for some of country music's biggest stars.

This weekend, country fans heading a few miles west from Milwaukee will find two big shows at the Jefferson County Fair (503 N Jackson Ave. in Jefferson). Tonight at 7, Gloriana is joined by former "American Idol" contestant Casey James on the grandstand. Saturday night, it's Little Big Town headlining at the fairgrounds with Madison-based Madison County opening. With a mix of first-come, first-serve general admission seating included with fair admission and reserved spots at an additional price point, the shows can be an affordable way to catch these acts in a unique setting. General admission to the Jefferson County Fair is $10, with a few money-saving deals outlined on the event's website. | July 12, 2013»Read Full Blog Post

Days after Milwaukee's most famous stringed instrument was recovered and after two suspects in its theft were charged, violinist Frank Almond returns to the stage Monday evening with the rare Stradivarius in hand.

When we first saw Josh Landay on a Milwaukee stage, he was making his Milwaukee Repertory Theater debut as Tateh, the ebullient Jewish immigrant in "Ragtime," whom Landay played with winning enthusiasm.

Verily! Go!

'Tis a proper tale for summer and must needs an optimist to tell it properly. The Optimist Theatre company wishes to put on Shakespeare's "The Winter's Tale" this summer. Its performances are free and take place in Kadish Park on the hill above the Milwaukee River. But therein lies the rub. Free performances still cost money to stage. So the merry troupe is holding a fundraiser — "Unsphere the Stars" — Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Turner Hall Ballroom, 1040 N. 4th St. It will offer up a variety show with comic frivolity from Phil Johnson and musical stylings from Janet O'Mahony. Tickets are $35, and the group has a matching challenge grant from BMO Harris Bank. | Feb. 9, 2014»Read Full Article

The Grammy-nominated recording artist known as 2 Chainz provided an empowering evening of entertainment at a sold-out Eagles Ballroom at the Rave Saturday.

It began with a lone word appearing on a screen on the stage: "Dream." There was the recorded reading of a poem and imaginative video performances by a troupe of dancers in silhouette. And there was a montage of figures - Martin Luther King Jr.; Michael Jordan, Rocky Balboa - whose very presence provided profound inspiration. | Feb. 9, 2014»Read Full Article(1)